Runners Enjoy Day of Community at Moon Township 5k

Runners who took part in Moon Township's 5k race under grey skies this weekend, but not a drop of rain fell before they hit the finish line.  

Nearly 175 runners attended the fourth annual community run.

Moon Parks Director Dana Kasler said despite offering refunds for registered participants who wanted to avoid the high heat, only one person dropped out prior to the race.  

“These things always fluctuate year-to-year,” Kasler said. “Since we’re really a community-driven race we’re not here to make big numbers. We just want to make sure the people that come have a great race.”

Friends Travis Snyder and Will Aldridge of Moon came together to reminisce of their days in high school as teammates on the track and cross country teams.

“I’ve ran in the past so coming back and just being able to see people from around the township and other local runners is just kind of fun,” Aldridge said as he rested on the curb after crossing the finish line.

They both finished in the front after about 20 minutes, overcoming the hilly course which spanned from the Cherrington Parkway, to Coraopolis Road and then onto Beaver Grade and Ewing.

According to the Race Coordinator Amy Ottaviani this race is one of the more challenging in the area.

“Cross country people love it. The rest of the folks turn the corner and say ‘what!’” Ottaviani said.

Although he’s not a cross country runner, Nicholas Magnelli, an 11-year-old boy from Moon, enjoys running the 5k every year.

“My legs are built that if they start, they keep going until I want them to stop,” he said after beating many older competitors to the finish line.

One of those competitors was his dad, Tony Magnelli. The Magnellis see the 5k as a time for family fun for the whole community.

“You got all types you got the cross country kids who win it, the young guys that are training, the old guys who are jogging, and you have the stroller people with the babies. It’s a total package for the people in the area,” said Magnelli’s father.